How to Choose a Headlamp? Buying Guide

The difference between headlamp and other lighting is the ability to keep hands-free. The headlamps fit comfortably on your forehead and illuminate the dark path without holding it. Whether you are running in the dark, cycling, or hiking, it will remove the darkness and keep your hands free. But, it is essential to choose the one made only for your needs.

So, how to choose a headlamp that will fit over my skull snugly?

It is just a matter to keep in your consideration while finding the perfect headlamp. Still, you have so many features to take a look at according to your planned activities.

Would you like to go camping with family or friends?

Would you plan for running on dark routes?

Or, planning nighttime cycling?

It’s also important to know the using purpose of your headlamp along with the features. It helps to make the perfect relationship with your light. Well, this guide will remove all your confusion and help you find the one wisely.

Headlamp Buying Guide

Right fit your skull

It’s too much essential whether your headlamp fits perfectly on your skull or not. Especially, it is crucial for that activity needs a lot of movement like running or climbing. A bouncy headlamp surely ruins your dark activities. So, make sure it fits well for your needs.

The construction material and type of strap make the difference. Headlamps generally come with a soft strap that passes around the skull and stays on the forehead. A few models offer strap that passes over the top of the head to bring extra support to hold your headlamp in any situation. But, it may not the option that you require for your activities as well.

Weight

The size and weight of the headlamp depend on its features mostly. The more features you need, the more weight you have to consider. Likewise, you don’t need a heavyweight headlamp with a bunch of features while hitting the trail for a jog. The lightweight versions weigh 2-3 oz range, whereas the heavyweight versions weigh up to 13 oz.

Beam Types

You will find the following beam options to choose from:

Flood or wide beam:

It’s the best option when you need to cast a wide area instead of illuminating a narrow long way,normally our COB headlamp fit for this request. It is the best beam type for the campsites while cooking or reading in a tent.

1000 Lumens COB 230° Wide Beam Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight

Spot or narrow beam:

The spot beam helps to focus the long narrow way in front of you. It’s the best option for hiking, running, or cycling in the dark.

1000 Lumens Running Headlamp Flashlight Rechargeable Helmet Light

Variable beam:

A few headlamps come with various options, where you can switch to spot or wide beam according to your needs. It’s recommended for those who like to do multiple activities at the same time, now we have a lot of new design headlamp with COB and High power spot LED, we believe this trend will come more and more headlamp.

1200 Lumens 210°Wide Beam COB USB Rechargeable Headlamp With Motion Sensor Black

Red & Strobe light:

Red light enhances your night vision ability and helps to map reading in the dark. It’s a batter-saver option as well. A few headlamps come with a strobe light so others can locate you in an emergency.

1000 Lumens LED Hunting Headlamp With Motion Sensor

Beam distance

It’s another major factor to consider while choosing a headlamp. It determines how far the beam can reach in front of you in the distance. Check out the beam range from the manufacturer guide carefully according to your needs.

For example, you need to consider about 100m+ beam distance for hiking in dark. But, 30m is sufficient if you are planning to spend time around the campsite only. The beam distance may decrease for poor battery power.

Battery life

Battery life is a crucial matter, where most manufacturers try to overwhelm their customers with fake hopes. It’s better not to trust the run time till someone has real experience on that specific headlamp brand.

Rechargeable batteries can be a good option for long hiking or camping sessions. But, they lose power while being inactive for a while. They are pricey than regular AAA or AA batteries as well.

Tips:

· Always carry a few extra sets of batteries when going out camping or hiking. You never get stuck in the dark then.

· If cold out there, keep the batteries wrapped in a warm fabric in your pack.

· For a rechargeable headlamp, make sure it can be recharged in multiple ways along with a USB.

Lumens and light modes

Lumens are the unit that describes the brightness level of any light. You will find the range from 20 to more than 1500 lumens. The more lumens, the more brightness you will get.

I would recommend owning a bright headlamp that comes with a good amount of lumens. Don’t worry you can adjust the brightness level for most of the headlamps. They come with different modes for your convenience.

High (200+): It indicates the high brightness option for you and drains the battery faster. Suitable for night hiking or running.

Higher (600+ lumens): Required for evening cycling or skiing.

Highest (1000+): Great for the search and rescue team in dark.

Low (25+): It’s the economical mode that you can use during sunset when you need a bit of extra light on the trail.

Best headlamps for different activities

Hiking & Backpacking:

Headlamps provide a hands-free lighting option for night hiking or camping in the dark. It keeps your hands free unlike other lighting options available. For these activities, you need a bright headlamp that comes with different modes. Also, consider the battery life, and beam options that I've mentioned earlier.

Running:

A headlamp that snugly fits over your skull is crucial for running in the evening time. Make sure it is lightweight and comes with spot beam features.

Climbing:

It’s important to ensure the headlamp can brightly light up the route for you. Consider the beam distance and output of the light while choosing a headlamp for climbing in the dark.

Paddling:

Make sure it fits perfectly and comes with a waterproof rating.

Campsite/Travel:

Make sure your headlamp features a wide-beam option and looks cool. It's not necessary to perfectly fit the light over your head, and weigh less.

Additional features

Durability: Headlamps ought to be sturdy so they can withstand any sudden drop or fall.

Waterproof: Rain can be a disaster for your night activities. So, your headlamps tend to be water-resistant. Check out the waterproof IPX ratings before purchasing according to your purposes.

Lock-out mode: This feature helps to avoid any accidental button press that may keep the light on for a whole day. It’s also essential if you have kids while camping outdoor.

Wrapping up:

Headlamps are the most appealing way to light up your darkness while camping, hiking, or cycling at night. It keeps your hands free so the regular activities can’t get messed up with the darkness. Hopefully, this guide sheds some light on how to choose the best headlamp for your needs.